Trump's Potential Meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia Today

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — U.S. President Donald Trump is in Saudi Arabia today for a high-profile diplomatic visit, with speculation mounting over a possible meeting with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. While no official confirmation has been provided, sources close to both governments suggest that backchannel efforts are underway to arrange a face-to-face discussion between the two leaders.

President Trump commenced his four-day Middle East tour by meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on regional stability, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and energy cooperation. The visit has already yielded discussions on artificial intelligence collaborations and a potential $3.5 billion arms deal.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed Syria's presidency in January 2025 following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, has been actively seeking to re-engage with the international community. His administration has expressed interest in easing U.S. sanctions and attracting Western investment for Syria's reconstruction efforts.

The prospect of a meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa is contentious, given al-Sharaa's past affiliations with extremist groups. However, his recent diplomatic overtures, including indirect talks with Israel to prevent further hostilities, indicate a shift towards a more moderate and pragmatic approach.

As the day progresses, all eyes remain on Riyadh to see whether this unprecedented meeting will materialize, potentially marking a significant step in reshaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.